Burton Levinson, chairman of the National Conference on Soviet Jewry, announced the creation of a special ” Crisis Committee” to deal with a critical situation facing Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union. He also announced the appointment of Richard Mass, former NCSJ chairman, to chair the committee.
Levinson said the rate of Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union has been slashed to about half of its 1979 level, and new restrictions have prevented-thousands from applying. During August, 770 Soviet Jews arrived in Vienna. Compared with the same period last year, when 4,711 Jews arrived, this represents a monthly decrease of over 83 percent. In the first eight months of this year 17,062 emigres arrived, compared to 33,573 in 1979. Mass said the committee will formulate a plan of action to sensitize the American people to the critical plight facing Soviet Jews who wish to emigrate.
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